With the encroaching threat of climate change the fashion industry has changed its approach in the past few years with the rise of upcycling, vintage fashion and thrifting.
Buying clothing second hand, at thrift or vintage stores has always been an option for shopping on a budget for lower cost clothing. However, with the rise of companies like Depop and ThredUP the culture surrounding thrifting has changed. It’s become less about affordability and more about sustainability and the hunt for unique pieces of clothing.
The fashion industry has taken notice of this increased desire for vintage fashion and environmentally ethical clothing. Here are three brands that have listened to this increasing want from consumers.
Kaporal x Luis Carvalho
Kaporal in collaboration with Portuguese designer Luis Carvalho has created a line of upcycled jeans. The brand wanted to “Give a second life to scraps of fabric and worn jeans.” This new collection has been called “eco couture,” as a way of using old and unused materials and giving them a new life.
GIGI PARIS
Gigi Paris, a family owned vintage jewelry brand, also understands the importance of upcycling in order to protect the environment. Their capsule collections’ main focus is to reuse instead of reproduce. Based at the Saint Ouen flea market in Paris, the jewelry brand strives to save energy and raw materials by upcycling and selling vintage pieces like Chanel, Dior and Gucci.
SUPERGA
Along with the desire to protect the environment, the fashion industry has also seen an increased interest for a resurgence of vintage designs. Superga’s new men’s collection will bring back designs from their archives. This new collection will be inspired by the brand’s vintage designs.
The fashion industry still makes 1.92 million tons of fabric waste a year but with the new push to buy vintage and upcycle from consumers and fashion companies, the cultural norms of the fashion sphere are changing.
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